UK sends life saving supplies to Kyrgyzstan earthquake victims
10 January 2008
On New Year’s Day three separate earthquakes, the largest with a magnitude of
5.6 on the Richter scale, struck the central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan.
Almost a thousand families, 5,300 people, were made homeless and are still in
need of humanitarian support. Harsh winter conditions have seen temperatures in
the affected areas fall to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Although there
have been no deaths reported so far survivors are in urgent need of temporary
shelter, and the Government of Kyrgyzstan has appealed for international
assistance through the United Nations (UN). An appeal for assistance was issued
on 4th January. Urgently requested items include food aid, building materials
and tents.
 In response, DFID will this week fly out 400 ‘winterised’ tents from our
warehouse in Dubai. The tents are suitable for use in harsh winter conditions
and can each accommodate up to 6 adults. The Ministry of Emergencies, with the
support of the UN, will distribute the winterised tents to the worst affected
districts of Kara-Suu, Kookat and Alai in southern Kyrgyzstan. The estimated
cost of our response, so far, amounts to £100,000.
Shahid Malik, the Minister for International Development, said:
“The lives of thousands of people have been turned upside down and earthquake
survivors are in desperate need of life saving supplies. Those made homeless in
Kyrgyzstan are most at risk from the freezing conditions and that’s why the UK
is sending out 400 winterised tents.
“It is good news that so far no one has died and I hope other donors will
come forward and offer their support to the UN’s appeal.”
Each tent can accommodate up to six people and they will remain in the
country to be used in future emergencies.
Jason Lane, the Head of DFID in the Kyrgyz Republic said: “This is a very
timely response and provides the most needed items. The President of the Kyrgyz
Republic has been informed about DFID’s help and passes on his personal thanks
to the UK Government”
Kyrgyzstan Facts
- Population: 5.2 million
- Kyrgyzstan is the second poorest country in Central Asia with a per
capita GDP of $542
- 43% of people live in poverty
DFID working to reduce poverty in Kyrgyzstan
 DFID has been active in the Kyrgyz Republic since 1997 and currently gives £7
million a year in direct aid. Our work is focused around improving political
accountability, making public services more efficient and helping to tackle HIV
and AIDS. We work very closely with the World Bank, the EC, various UN agencies,
and other organisations to help the Government of Kyrgyzstan meet the Millennium
Development Goals. Our programmes provide direct support to assist the Kyrgyz
people improve their living standards, have clean drinking water and help
improve the quality of healthcare services.
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